Where the Wild Things Are

Produced by Maurice Sendak and directed by Spike Jonze, this film has been taunting and teasing me for months. I loved the book - who didn't? And I love Jonze's previous work, including but not limited to Fat Boy Slim's Weapon of Choice video staring Christopher Walken. And I am here now, a week late, to tell you all what I thought of it.

First, please don't misunderstand... this is not a children's movie. It is based on a children's book and it is by no means inappropriate for children. But it was created for the generation (mine) who grew up with the Wild Things, not for the generation who are just discovering them. The overall tone of the film is very melancholy, even in the happy, raucous scenes there is a shadow lurking in the background...you just know that the happy moment is going to go sour.

As with so many things in our lives, "it's all fun and games until someone gets hurt." In the opening sequence, our hero Max engages some of his older sister's friends in a snowball fight and all are having a terrific time until one of the older kids dives, feet first, into Max's igloo which he worked very hard to create and was, as a result, very proud of. The igloo is destroyed along with Max's feelings.

And this isn't the only scene of its kind. There are at least three more moments where everyone is having a grand old time that is ruined by someone getting to serious.

Don't get me wrong. It was a beautiful film. Sendak made a terrific decision with Jonze. But my recommendation for parents is to see it before your kids. Know, before taking your kids to see it, what they are seeing. Like I said before, it's not inappropriate but for a few of the angrier, more destructive scenes, but it is not one that I give a recommend for kids, 110%.